Dark Horses in the Kevin Kolb Sweepstakes

Many of us keep hearing the same two teams when it comes to Kevin Kolb. The Seahawks and Cardinals have won the NFC West in the last two years and each feel as if they have a strong chance to reclaim the division title if they can get help at the quarterback position.

Kevin Kolb may very well join either of these two teams if he is traded. They are both in a weaker division where the slightest advantage may yield a playoff birth for the division champion.

This article focuses on the teams less mentioned in the Kevin Kolb sweepstakes. Fans have become wise to the fact that not everything ends up the way the rumor mill goes so this article focuses on teams less likely to trade for the Eagles' quarterback.

Buffalo Bills

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 26: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Buffalo Bills readies to pass against the New England Patriots at Ralph Wilson Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

The Buffalo Bills experienced a positive surprise this past season with Ryan Fitzpatrick but the team has many holes to fill before being considered a contender. Fitzpatrick will function well as a quarterback who can bridge the organization to a new dynasty but first many of the other positions must be addressed.

For this reason, the Bills are an unlikely destination for Kevin Kolb unless they believe Kolb will be able to bring a noncompetitive team with many holes to being a competitive team. I personally believe Kolb is the type of QB who will only succeed if he has a great supporting cast early in his career. This means a strong line, good offensive weapons, and good defense. The Bills have none of these.

Miami Dolphins

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 02: Chad Henne #7 of the Miami Dolphins is brought down in the first half by Jerod Mayo #51 and Landon Cohen #66 of the New England Patriots on January 2, 2011 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Ima

Chad Henne had a down year yet he had a go-to wide receiver in Brandon Marshall and a powerful backfield combination of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams. His offensive line was not bad, and the Dolphins defensive unit was stout. 

Considering the Dolphins are a step away from being competitors would be a fair assumption. The head coach, Tony Sparano, is also apparently on the hot seat thus a move may be made to acquire an upgrade over Henne. The question for Sparano is whether he can win more games with Henne who has continuity in Miami or with Kolb who may be an upgrade but may not have as much time to learn the playbook/personnel.

Washington Redskins

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 05: Donovan McNabb #5 of the Washington Redskins looks on against the New York Giants on December 5, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

John Beck the future QB for the Redskins? No way. Coach Shanahan has a proven track record but some have his reputation as a quarterback guru has been questioned with some saying that he simply got lucky with John Elway. McNabb was regarded as a top 10 QB before last year and now his trade value has evaporated due to the ongoing drama in D.C.

Dan Snyder appeared to have learned his lesson and allowed Shanahan to run everything, but Snyder offered McNabb a huge financial apology with a new contract that now makes the QB virtually untradeable. Is Coach Shanahan now on the hot seat in Washington?

The Redskins and Eagles have traded with each other (within the same division) before, I don't see any reason why they would not again. If anything I believe the Philadelphia Eagles would not trade Kevin Kolb to the Redskins because Kolb is still in his prime.

Regardless of what the naysayers say, Kolb was trusted to lead the Eagles franchise last year so I have concluded the front office believes in his talents. They will not make the mistake of trading Kolb to a division rival unless the deal is undeniable.

Cleveland Browns

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 21: Colt McCoy #12 of the Cleveland Browns passes during a game agaisnt the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on November 21, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Browns GM Tom Heckert and the Eagles front office have a strong relationship. The Browns were rumored last year to desire Kevin Kolb’s services as Heckert was the GM responsible for drafting Kolb in Philadelphia.

Since then the Browns have stumbled on Colt McCoy who has been a pleasant surprise. It has still to be revealed whether or not they believe McCoy is the future. If they have any doubts, they did not show it in the draft. This team may be a last minute team to enter the bidding war for Kolb if the price is right.

Additionally, Pat Shurmur, the new Head Coach of the Browns, has ties to Andy Reid and the West Coast Offense.  Colt McCoy fits the mold of a West Coast-style QB, but between the coaching staff and the GM, they may prefer Kevin Kolb over Colt McCoy

Oakland Raiders

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KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Jason Campbell #8 of the Oakland Raiders throws a pass in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Tim Umphrey/Getty Images)

Oakland achieved relative success last year with a quarterback carousel of Jason Campbell and Bruce Gradkowski. Al Davis is notorious for liking athletic quarterbacks thus Kolb may not fit the bill precisely. However, the Raiders have become notorious for overpaying for a player's services, and if they are convinced Kolb is the best available quarterback, as many are, they may throw in a king’s ransom to obtain him.